'My Sister Cured Her Cancer by…' -- How to Handle Well-Meaning Advice
The thing with cancer is that it rocks everyone’s world. When I first heard “It’s cancer” after waking from my surgery, everything shattered: my peace of mind, my ...
Latest Posts from Heather McCollum
“What’s Wrong, Mommy?” -- Parenting Through Cancer
My doctor walked into the hospital room after my surgery, which was supposed to be an outpatient procedure to remove an ovarian cyst. Instead ...
Cancer – The Bully. The Villain. The Teacher?
Cancer is a horrible monster. It took my own body and convinced it to turn against me. In some ways, it felt like the biggest betrayal. I could easily say ...
We’re Under Siege! – Tips for Battling Treatment Side Effects
When your world explodes with those horrid words, “It’s cancer,” you’re immediately drafted into a war to save your life. The doctors and nurses begin to hit ...
“Help! I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up!” Asking for Help While in Treatment
I had three young kids, a budding writing career, and a house to maintain. I drove my kids (ages 4, 10, and 12) to every sports practice and school function. I made dinner ...
Not the Torture Chamber I Envisioned – Chemo Treatment Room
The first time I saw the chemotherapy ward, I had just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I was told that I’d be sitting in a curtained-off area on a treatment ward ...